A Complete Guide to Stereo Microscopes

Structure and Principle of Stereo Microscope

The difference between a stereoscopic dissecting microscope and a compound microscope

The biggest difference from a compound microscope is that the dissecting microscope has two independent magnification light paths. The image of the same position is imaged in both eyes through the two light paths, creating a three-dimensional feeling that is still as direct vision after magnification, which is called Greenough grid. Reno Optical Design. Dissecting microscopes use upright optical imaging, unlike compound microscopes which image upside down and left and right. It also has a long working distance (the distance from the objective lens to the object being measured) and is specially designed for real-time operation.
In addition to the biological field, stereomicroscopes are also often used in the industrial field, especially in the electronics or textile fields. The large field of view, moderate magnification and long working distance make it easy to use in welding, observing PCB boards or inspecting fabric details. It is an excellent helper in industrial production lines or quality control QC.

Stereomicroscope Industrial Applications

  • When moving, be sure to properly grasp the fuselage or handle, and do not apply force to the observation head or focusing bracket.
  • Must be used on a flat surface.
  • It is recommended to store the microscope in a ventilated place or moisture-proof cabinet, and use a dust cover to prevent dust from entering.
  • When moving the microscope, be sure to confirm that the object being measured has been removed from the stage.
  • Be sure to turn off the microscope after use.

Observation steps

Good design to enhance observation experience

Trinocular observation head:
A camera receiver is added to the binocular observation head, and a microscopic camera can be connected to record the observation images. Suitable for teaching, experimental records and observation reports.
Microscopic camera:
Connected to the microscope photography receiver to record the images under the microscope, it can support video or connect to a large screen. It is convenient for sharing pictures and is suitable for use in multiple fields such as teaching, scientific research, medical inspection, and industrial quality control.
Light and dark field switching:
ZEISS's original "light and dark field of view switching" is suitable for a variety of different objects to be measured. It can instantly switch the background color and compare the imaging of the same object under test in different modes.

How to choose a microscope (product range, functions)

Optical quality & optical design
"Magnification affects clarity" is a common myth. In fact, the most critical factor affecting clarity is optical quality. Good optical quality allows you to see the object being measured more clearly at the same magnification. Optical quality sounds quite abstract, but simply put it is the quality of the image. The sharpness of the edge of an object can be used as a very intuitive reference. In addition, color saturation is also a very important factor in judging optical quality. The better the optical quality, the brighter and saturated the color will be. Optical quality is also a major variable that dominates price differences between microscopes. Generally speaking, optical design and quality will be reflected in the description of some specifications, but it is still most recommended to go to a physical store to make an appointment for a trial. Shangchen Optics welcomes you to bring any form of sample to the store for trial.
Magnification:
The microscope magnification is the eyepiece magnification multiplied by the objective lens magnification, or the eyepiece magnification multiplied by the microscope zoom magnification. Generally, stereo microscopes are equipped with 10x eyepieces as standard, and the zoom range is about 0.7-5 times or even higher. The zoom ratio (the highest zoom magnification divided by the lowest zoom magnification) is an important specification indicator of a zoom stereo microscope and represents the zoom range of the microscope. A model with a larger zoom range can better balance "field of view" and "details". For example, the ZEISS SteREO Discovery.V20 zoom stereo microscope has an ultra-high zoom ratio of 20:1, and has the ability to quickly locate the sample position in a wide range and observe details at high magnification.

illumination

System penetration illumination (bright field & dark field )
Penetrating illumination is a form of illumination that passes light through the sample. It is mostly used to observe light-transmitting samples, such as water fleas and other light-transmitting aquatic animals. Darkfield penetrating light illumination can turn the background of the field of view into black, allowing the light source to shine toward the object under test from the side, illuminating the edge of the object, making translucent or light-colored samples easier to observe.
Vertical epi-illumination:
The illumination light path in the same direction as the objective lens provides good illumination for samples with vertical deep hole structures.
Coaxial epi-illumination:
The light source is coaxial with the optical path of the objective lens and is used to observe the reflection state of the object surface against vertical illumination. It can also provide good illumination for samples with vertical deep hole structures.
Shadowless ring light source lighting:
It is generally fixed below the objective lens to provide flat illumination without shadows. Some items can adjust the color temperature of the light source and limit the illumination direction.
Oblique lighting:
The light source is located diagonally above the object being measured, forming an angle with the observation light path. The angle or height can be adjusted freely to produce a lighting effect similar to natural light, which is suitable for observing surface textures of objects.
Fiber optic lighting source:
The point light source can be bent and adjusted freely to provide good illumination for areas with tricky angles.

working distance

The working distance refers to the straight-line distance between the objective lens and the focus plane after the microscope has completed focusing. When using a stereomicroscope, there is often a need to process or operate the object under test, such as surgery, welding, assembly, processing, etc. Therefore, working distance will also be a very important consideration. Users with operational needs must make a proper evaluation and choose a model with sufficient operating space.

Photomicrography

Mobile phone photography stand:
The simplest and most versatile way to record microscopic observations, the mobile phone photography holder can firmly fix the mobile phone and aim it at the microscope eyepiece, so you can take pictures immediately after viewing. Suitable for students or those who are developing an interest in biological observation.
Microcamcorder
It is suitable for trial users or related industries and procurement who have recording needs or quick inspection. It is installed on the photography adapter of a trinocular microscope. Users can choose based on the expected connection interface (USB, HDMI, VGA, WiFi) and required image quality. purchase. The driver software provided with the microscope camera supports image processing, recording and measurement.
Microphotography magnification
Due to the use of the camera's photosensitive element and screen projection, the magnification of the microscope is no longer limited only by optics. You can refer to the "Digital Microscope Magnification" page, enter the equipment size, and use the formula to calculate it to suit your organization's needs and purchasing goals. .
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